Exterior Illumination

It is time to get back into the holiday spirit!  Time to pull out those Christmas lights and start untangling the strands that have been packed away since last year.  There are a couple of ways to prepare for this. 

The first thing you need to do is test the strands, after successfully untangling them, to make sure that all the bulbs work.  Check for any broken bulbs that need to be replaced as well.

Secondly, make sure that you have proper GFCI protection before you start hanging the lights.  GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.  This is a device that is intended to keep you safe if you happen to have water come into contact with the outlet while using it.  When working properly, the receptacle will shut down so power does not continue to flow.  This makes sure you don’t get shocked while decorating.  

To test a GFCI, take a strand of lights and plug them in.  Push the test button on the receptacle and the lights should go off.  Then push the reset button and the lights should come back on.  If you push the reset button and the lights don’t come back on you know there is a problem, and you probably need to replace it.  Sometimes you can have a receptacle that is controlled by a GFCI that is located somewhere else, and you might have to track it down.  These are usually located in bathrooms, garages or kitchens. 

If you live in an older home you might not have GFCI receptacles.  It is a good idea to have these installed for your safety.  You can replace unprotected outlets with GFCI’s to make sure that things are up to code and ready for everything you have planned.  We are always ready to help if you feel like things need to be updated.

Now it is time to create your winter wonderland!

Happy Holidays! 

-Rob